Starting circuit for electric discharge devices



to generate a high voltage to start the lamp ID, the same as in Fig. 3.

My invention is applicable to the startingof metallic vapor lamps, such as high pressure mercury lamps, for example, 0! the type shown in Patent No. 2,009,211, J. A. St. Louis, or of the type shown in my application Serial No. 102,554, filed September 25, 1936, when the starting electrode is omitted therefrom.

While I have described my invention by reference to specific embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited thereto, but that various changes, substitutions or omissions may be made in the method and apparatus shown and described without departing from the spirit of my invention. a

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. The method of starting an electric discharge lamp device having electrodes sealed therein which comprises connecting said device to the terminals of a source of current, connecting a piezo-electric crystal across the terminals of said device and causing said crystal to be deformed to generate piezo-electricity oi sufficient voltage to start a discharge between the electrodes in said device.

2. A circuit for starting an electric discharge lamp device having electrodes sealed therein comprising means for connecting said device to a source of current, and a piezo-electric crystal connected across the terminals of said device whereby when said crystal is deformed it generates piezo-electriclty of sufllcient voltage to start a discharge between the electrodes in said device.

3. A circuit for starting an electric discharge lamp device having electrodes sealed therein comprising means for connecting said device to a source of current, a piezo-electric crystal connected acrossthe terminals of said device, a reed located adjacent to said crystal and means for causing said reed to be vibrated upon closing oi! the circuit, said reed thereby striking said crystal which generates piezo eiectricity of sufllcient voltage to start a discharge between the electrodes in said device.

4. A circuit for starting an electric discharge lamp device having electrodes sealed therein comprising means for connecting said device to a source of. alternating current, a piezo-electric crystal connected across the terminals of said device, a second piezo-electric crystal connected across said current source and having a reed at-- tached thereto and extending adjacent to said first-mentioned crystal wherebywhen the circuit to said current source is closed the said secondmentioned crystal is caused to vibrate and the said reed strikes said first-mentioned crystal which generates piezo-electricity of suificient voltage to start a discharge between the electrodes in said device.

5. A circuit for starting an electric discharge lamp device having electrodes sealed therein cornprising means for connecting said device to a source of current, a piezo-clectric crystal connectedacross the terminals of said device, a race: located adjacent to said. crystal and an electromagnetic coil adjacent to said reed, said coil causing said reed to be vibrated'upon closing of the circuit and said reed thereby striking said crystal which generates piezo-electricity of suflicient voltage to start a discharge between the elec trodes in said device.

EUGENE LEMMIERS. 

